by Joel Harrison
6. September 2010 15:13
Most contact lens wearers consider extended wear lenses the most convenient to use. However, extended wear lenses cannot be worn for longer than 30 days at a time and wearing them for such a long time increases the risk of infection. Thanks to the newest development in contact lens technology, though, this may soon change.
According to Ted Reid of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, a new coating may extend this period to two months. The coating contains selenium, an anti-bacterial metal, which acts like a disinfectant, preventing bacterial growth on the surface of the lens – the most common source of problems associated with continuous contact lens wear. The researchers conducting the study connected with the new coating are also working on applying it to various medical devices, such as heart valves.
Selenium can be toxic, but the researchers assure the amount that is to be put on contact lenses is so small that it will have absolutely no impact on health.